Why use DataLab?

There are many ways that we can help you save time and money on your next campaign. Some of them are:

• Most mailings require data to be prepared using a rigorous procedure of merge/purge and dedupe so that the final files to be used for your mailing are in a common format, free of duplicates and attract maximum MAILSORT discounts.
• Files are converted to a standard format, then run against the Post Office Address File (PAF). Our aim is to at least ensure a correct postcode and post-town, which will improve the overall quality of the addresses.
• We can check your level of duplicates and quality of addressing on your last mailing for FREE. Very advanced algorithms are used to find all matches, including phonetic and misspelled matches. If we can show that you are still mailing your customers/prospects twice or are mailing bad addresses, then you could seriously be affecting your response rates and bottom-line profit margins.
• We can run your data against the National Change of Address (NCOA), Deceased and Goneaway (GAS) Suppression files and provide a detailed report.
• If a list owner has supplied you with a list full of internal duplicates and MPS records, you could be able to claim money back straightaway. Many mailers don’t even see their lists, so are often unaware of the poor quality they are being supplied. We will let you know the TRUE state of the data you have paid good money to rent.
• We make up the time you have lost when lists arrive late by turning the data processing work around at alarmingly high speed!
• We follow a strict checklist to ensure that our procedures run smoothly.
• We can liaise directly with the list supplier to follow up any issues.
• You can be assured that all your mailings will comply with the Data Protection Act.
• For your own peace of mind, seeds will be added to every file.
• We update our Postal Address File (PAF) as soon as the Royal Mail issue changes to their UK file, we can guarantee you will receive the best mailsort discount possible.

Process

The merge purge procedure consists of a number of processes that are broken down below:

• Convert to standard format and proper case all data. This ensures that all data received is in the same format.
• Run against the latest Postal Address File (PAF). This ensures that where possible the address is accurate.
• QA Pass 1. Remove undeliverable BFPO, PO BOX, C/O, unusable surnames.
• QA Pass 2. Remove undeliverable Names and Addresses.
• QA Pass 3. Remove undeliverable Postcodes.
• Multiple file dedupe. All files imported and deduped in requested priority order.
• Provide reports on dedupe results. Reports of Internal, External and Suppression dupes.
• Split and keycode files. Split and keycode the data remaining as required.
• Mailsort and print mailsort reports. Mailsort as requested and produce reports.
• Output and supply data to the mailing house. Label and deliver in format requested.